Have you ever found yourself stuck in a loop of indecision, endlessly weighing pros and cons, trying to find the “perfect” choice? Try finding clarity with some journal prompts for making decisions.
As an Enneagram 1w9, I get it—striving for the right decision while maintaining peace within can feel like an exhausting balancing act. Add in trying to discern God’s will for your life and relationships, and decisions feel even weightier. Our natural drive for perfection, integrity and avoiding regret can make even the simplest decisions feel like make-or-break moments.
But here’s a perspective that changed my sense of confidence: if you seek to know what God’s best is for you (and your loved ones), know that He’s already been speaking to you.
Okay… that’s nice. But not necessarily helpful, right?
What if you’ve done all the good, spiritual we’re “supposed” to do things like listening to sermons, reading the Bible, doing small group studies, praying, talked to wise people (not all who are helpful)… and you’re still not sure?
Been there.
The Key to Making Decisions When It’s Hard to Hear God’s Voice
Maybe the noise of life—busyness, fear, overthinking, others’ opinions—has been drowning out His whispers and the answers already within you. Maybe your past experiences have made it hard to trust or discern if what you’re sensing is God or you. With quietness, stillness, and just the right questions (sometimes an unjudging listening ear), wisdom is waiting to be unlocked.
In my years as life purpose coach, I’ve learned the wonder of powerful, curious questions. They can cut through doubt, bring clarity, and reveal the inner truths we might not even realize we’re holding onto. That’s where journaling comes in.
Journaling isn’t just about writing down your thoughts—it’s a reflection tool for self-awareness, a way to ask yourself the questions that lead to deeper insight. And when you’re stuck in indecision, the right prompts can help you explore everything from your fears to your intuition, guiding you toward a choice that feels authentic and aligned.
Ready to explore further? Below, I’ve compiled a list of journaling prompts designed to help you make decisions with confidence and clarity. Let’s get started!
Increase Self-Awareness with These Journal Prompts for Making Decisions
1. Clarity
- What exactly is the decision I need to make? What am I not trying to decide?
- What would be the impact of making this decision now versus later?
- If I’m struggling with a cluster of decisions that affect each other, which decision do I need to make first?
2. Vision
- How does this decision align with the long-term vision I have for my life?
- What does the ideal outcome of this decision look like five years from now?
- If I could make this decision without any limitations, what could my future look like?
3. Fear & Doubt
- What fears are holding me back from making this decision, and are they rational?
- How can I reframe my doubts in a way that empowers me to take action?
- What past experiences are causing fear? How can I use them as lessons instead of barriers?
4. Blocks & Obstacles
- What specific obstacles do I foresee in making this decision, and how can I navigate them?
- How much of what I consider an obstacle is real versus perceived?
- What resources or support do I need to overcome these challenges?
5. Purpose & Calling
- How does this decision fit into my sense of purpose and the calling I feel on my life?
- What part of this decision resonates with my deeper sense of meaning or contribution?
- Is this decision moving me toward or away from my God-given purpose?
6. Facts & Information
- What are the key facts or data I need to gather before making an informed decision?
- Am I overcomplicating this decision by seeking too much information? What’s the essential truth here?
- What assumptions am I making without proper evidence, and how can I verify or dismiss them?
7. Emotion Signals, Heart & Values
- What emotions surface when I think about making this decision? What might they be trying to tell me?
- What does my heart want for each option and outcome?
- What are my core values? And how does this decision align with these values?
- What does my emotional response reveal about what truly matters to me in this decision?
8. Faith & Biblical Principles
- What biblical principles or scriptures can guide me in this decision-making process?
- How am I leaning on my own understanding? What does trusting God fully in this situation look like?
- Personal prayer: God, what do you want to say to me about my decision process?
9. Gut & Intuition
- When I quiet my thoughts and listen to my gut, what decision feels most aligned with my true self?
- If I trusted my intuition 100%, what path would I take?
- How often have I regretted ignoring my intuition in the past, and how can I honor it this time?
10. Body Signals
- What physical sensations do I notice when I think about each option? (e.g., tension, relaxation, excitement)
- How does my body respond when I imagine saying “yes” or “no” to this decision?
- What might my body be telling me about what feels right or wrong about this choice?
Shift Your Perspective With These Journal Prompts for Making Decisions
11. Support & Relationships
- Who in my life can provide wise counsel or support as I make this decision?
- How will this decision affect the relationships in my life, both positively and negatively?
- Am I making this decision to please others, or is it truly aligned with what I need and believe?
12. Uncertainty
- How can I embrace uncertainty in this decision without being paralyzed by it?
- What part of this decision feels most uncertain, and how can I take steps to clarify it?
- On a scale of 1 (unsure) through 10 (absolute clarity), how much certainty do you need to have before moving forward?
13. Perspective Shift
- If I were advising a friend in my situation, what would I tell them to do?
- How might this decision look from the perspective of my future self, five or ten years down the road?
- What does this decision make possible? What would change if I viewed this decision as an opportunity rather than a challenge?
14. Regret & Reflection
- What past decisions do I regret, and what lessons can I take from them to apply here?
- How can I ensure that I won’t regret this decision a year from now?
- What past decision-making process led to a positive outcome, and how can I replicate it here?
15. Growth & Challenge
- How does this decision challenge me to grow beyond my comfort zone?
- What personal growth or new skills could emerge from taking on this decision?
- Am I avoiding this decision because it’s hard, or because it’s not aligned with my growth?
16. Energy & Ease
- Which option feels energizing and motivating, as though it’s bringing me closer to something meaningful?
- Which path feels most natural and in flow, rather than forced or heavy?
- How can I honor both ease and challenge in making this decision?
17. Timing & Deadlines
- Is there a pressing deadline for making this decision? What steps would help me prepare wisely within that time frame?
- How does divine timing play a role in this decision? Is now the right time, or should I wait?
- How can I balance patience with urgency, trusting the process while honoring the timing required?
Writing Prompts for Making Decisions
As you wrap up your journaling journey with these 52 prompts, remember that making decisions at life’s crossroads isn’t just about choosing a path—it’s about trusting the One who guides your steps. You’re not alone in this process.
You’ve tapped into your intuition, examined your values, and given your fears the attention they need. Each prompt you’ve explored has helped you uncover not just what you think, but what your heart, soul, and faith truly believe.
When you seek clarity with a spirit open to God’s wisdom, you invite His peace into your decision-making. Lean into that faith, knowing that every question you ask brings you closer to the life you were called to live. Allow His voice to speak through the words you write, giving you the courage to act in alignment with your purpose and values. Let this journaling practice be a reminder that, with faith, even the hardest decisions become a journey of personal and spiritual growth.
